UPDATE 1:15 p.m.

On March 21, at approximately 8:30 a.m., deputies responded to the WaWa at the intersection of Three Notch Road and Rue Purchase Road in Lexington Park, for a report of a suspicious package. Investigation revealed a package, intentionally designed to look like an explosive device, was placed on a fuel pump. As a precaution, the business was closed and the surrounding area secured. North and south bound traffic along Three Notch Road was re-routed away from the area. 

St. Mary’s County Bureau of Criminal Investigation detectives, along with officers from the Maryland State Fire Marshall’s Office and the State Fire Marshall’s Bomb Squad responded to the scene. Further inspection of the package by the State Fire Marshall’s Office Bomb Squad determined the device not to be an explosive. Traffic along Three Notch Road resumed at approximately 11 a.m.  

At this time, WaWa remains closed while detectives continue their investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact BCI detectives at (301) 475-4200 ext. 1950 or call Crime Solvers at (301) 475-3333. The caller does not have to leave his/her name. If the information leads to the arrest and conviction, the caller may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000. 

UPDATE 11:00 A.M. — Upon further inspection the bomb squad determined that the device that was attached to a Wawa gas pump was a hoax device and that there is no danger to the public. Wawa will remain closed until the investigation is complete. Route 235 is now open in both directions. Traffic is beginning to move through the area.

Police expect to have an official press release within the hour. 

UPDATE 10:45 A.M. — The fire marshall and bomb squad have inspected a suspicious package attached to a gas pump and the bomb disposal robot has been called to the scene. Authorities predict that traffic will be tied up for a good while longer until any and all threats are eliminated. A TBN reader reported that the package appears to be something like an egg carton with wire and a clock attached. However, authorities will neither confirm nor deny the report.

TBN’s photographer is near the scene and photographs should be forthcoming in a few minutes. More information will be provided as it is made available.

 

UPDATE 10:00 A.M. — The Fire Marshall is on the scene and police had to move the bomb disposal unit through heavy traffic. Reports are that the bomb unit just arrived on the scene. More information to come as it is provided.

 

UPDATE 9:50 A.M. — Authorities have evacuated the area around the Wawa on 235 and the State Fire Marshall’s Office is on the way to the scene. TBN reports that there is no human activity on the scene and no traffic traversing Route 235 in either direction.

 

UPDATE 9:26 A.M. — According to those on scene, they are turning around vehicles traveling southbound on 235 at the intersection of Macarthur Blvd.  Vehicles can take 237 across to 246 or take Pegg road back to 235 to continue southbound.

Vehicles traveling northbound on 235 are being turned around at the

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